Ravens lost a close game, 15-10, to a tough division opponent. Bengals swept the division last year and don’t intend on losing to a divisional opponent any time soon.

There were two questionable game changing penalties against the Ravens that ultimately lost them the game. First was a tripping penalty called against Ray Lewis. Clearly Bernard Scott chipped Ray Lewis into the pocket. He fell down face first not knowing where Carson Palmer was. Palmer tried to dodge Lewis’s body and fell down by running into his feet.

Next was a roughing the passer penalty called on Terrell Suggs. He wasn’t aiming for his knees and it wasn’t a blow to the head. He hit him in the mid section, that’s the only spot you can hit a quarterback these days, while Palmer was throwing the ball. It was a very questionable call. Both of these penalties lead to field goals.

Overall you can’t throw four interceptions and expect to win the game. That is exactly what Joe Flacco did. He finished the game with 154 yards, a touchdown and four interceptions. The only bright spot on offense was Ray Rice. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry, 16 rushers for 87 yards, and caught four passes for the 30 yards. Ravens are going to need Rice to pick up his game to get into the playoffs.

The Ravens’ defense still hasn’t given up a touchdown this season. They kept the Bengals under 100 yards rushing and gave up a total of 159 passing yards. The only problem on defense was that they didn’t create any turnovers. They held the Bengals to 3 of 18 on third down but still lost the time of possession battle, 25:44 to 34:16. Ravens need their offense to stay on the field to get their defense rested up.

This is the second straight week the Ravens gave up a big punt or kick return that led to a crucial field goal. Bernard Scott had a 60 yard kick off return late in the fourth quarter. This led to Suggs’ questionable penalty and then lost the lead to a Mike Nugent field goal.

Ravens and Bengals are both 1-1 on the season. Next week, Ravens host the Cleveland Browns. This game, they can’t afford to lose.